The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1887-02-18

IL
smaller in number than it is?'' she an
swered. smiling with the light reflect
ed from the compass-card upon her
face. "Look at the lightning over
there! I'm sailor enough to know
that our masts would be broken if the
wind struck the ship with all this sail
upon her. And what is my work
idly standing here-compared to yours
you, who have already done so
much. and are still doing the work of
many men?"
You argue too well for my wishes.
want you to agree with me.
Whom have You to take my
placer
"Only the steward"
He can not steer. Mr.. Royle; and
I assure you the ship wants watch
ing"
/ laughed at this nautical language
in her sweet mouth. At her request
looked into their cabin to see how her
father was doing. He seemed to be
asleep and returned and so reported
to her.
Together with the boatswaln and
Cornish then went to work taking in
sail. In few hours we had accomp-
lished wonders. having close-reefed
two of the three tOp-saiis, slowed the
three jibs, three ROYALS, two top-gal-
lant-sails and staysails. Our work was
rendered three times harder than it
need have been by the darkness; we
had to tumble and grope. and. by be-
ing scarcely able to see each other, We
found it extremely difficult to work in
unison; so that, instead of hauling to-
getner, we hauled at odd times, and
rendered our individual strength inef-
fectual. when. could we have collect
lively exerted it, we should have
achieved our purpose easily.
IL must sit down for spell, sir"
said Cornish. Il can't do no more
work YET"
IF We could only get that top-gal-
liant sail off hcr!' l exclaimed, looking
longingly up at it. But. ali the same,
felt that whole regiment of bayO-
nets astern of me could not have urged
me one inch up the shrouds.
We dragged our weary limbs aft
and sguattcd ourselves near the wheel,
for one being scarcely able to stand.
Mr. Royle." said Miss Robertson,
Twill you and the others 90 down into
the cabin and get some sleep? / will
keep watch, and promise faithfully to
wake you the moment l think neces-
Sary."
Bosom exclaimed. do you hear
that? Miss Robertson wants us to turn
in. She will keep watch. she says and
call us if a gale comes
God bless her!' said the boatswain.
Il called her a wonder just now, and
I'd call her wonder again"
Mr.. Royle, you have not answered
me. vii! yon and the others lie down
and sleep while | watcha'
Not yet, Miss Robertson. BY and
by. perhaps. We have more work be-
fore us, and are only resting. Stew
arl'
He came from behind the companion,
where think he had fallen asleep.
.'Yes. Mr.. Royle. SIR
''Cut below and mix all hands a jug
of Observation-Disclosures. and bring some
biscuits Here, Bosom, is some tobacco.
Smoke pipe. Fire away, Cornish.
It's more soothing than sleep.
mates"
pulled out my watch and held it
close to the pinnacle.
"Half-past two-' l cried. amazed at
the passage of time. Upon my word,
l didn't think it was twelve O'Clock
vet. Miss Robertson, | know l can not
induce you to 90 below; but you mus,
oil nx. 20 Coz ne
the wheel. can sit and steer as well
as You. You'll find this grating COM
Portable
Saving which pulled out some flags
from the locker. made Il kind Of cushion
for her back, and then took her char.
keeping the wheel steady with my
foot.
The steward made his appearance
with the spirits and biscuit: and Miss
Robertson went below. whispering to
me rs she passed. that she wished to
look at her father, and that she would
return in q few minutes.
Now that the lady's gone. MIR.
Royle,' exclaimed the boatswain, as
soon as she had left the deck. lets
talk over our situation and think what
TO re done"
Quite right, bosom l replied. eat
noon yesterday-that will he fifteen
hours ago--the Bermuda Islands bore
as true us i hair west-ka,f-south. We
hove to with the ships head to the
nor ard and westward and made some
way at that. and taking the run we
have made toni ght. allow that II we
Ia, Il, 10
make the islands. with any thing like
breeze, some time on Monday morn
ing"
but if we're inst off the coast Of
Florida" said Cornish, why couldn't
we turn to and run for the West India
Islands?'
"Wh CHI is nearest. l wonders" en-
claimed the boatswain, 1.-The West
Hindia Islands or the Kingdom of Jer-
icho?n
Its 'ardly a time for jokin'," re-
monstrated the steward.
Il don't know that said any thing
funny" Observed Cornish, warmly.
well. then. wot do you mean by
talking about the West Hindie ISL
and>? cried the bOatswain.
"Wot do | mean?" retorted the 9th
er: why. wot l says. Here we are off
the coast of Floridy"
''Off the coast O your grandmother!
Shut up. mate. and let MIR. Roylc speak.
You know nOthcr about ii. a."
The Bermudas are nearer to hand
than the West Indies" l continued.
not wishing to explain. What we
have TO do. then, the moment we can
use our legs. is to haul the ship round.
How is the wind now? north-north-
west. Well. she will lie properly.
And as soon as ever it comes day.
break. we must run up signal of dis